How Do You Send Someone to Rehab?

Addiction and substance misuse can have a serious impact on any individual’s well-being. Alcohol alone is the single biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49-year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.

The misuse of illegal or prescription drugs can also cause, influence or exacerbate a wide range of physical and mental illnesses and other health conditions.

It is not only the person involved in the drinking or drug use who is affected, however. Addiction tends to be accompanied by a range of harmful behaviours that could include dishonesty, violence, theft, mood swings, the neglect of responsibilities and more. All of this can be very distressing for family members, partners, friends and other people close to the addict.

Addiction can also have a wider impact in the workplace, school and other settings.

The Warning Signs of Addiction

There are some symptoms of addiction that the addict themselves may notice, such as needing to take more drugs or alcohol for the same effect, feeling ill-effects (withdrawal symptoms) when they don’t use drugs or alcohol, feeling strong cravings and anxiety about situations where they will not be able to drink or use drugs. People with a substance misuse problem will often be in denial about the extent and sometimes even the existence of their problems, however.

Some warning signs that may be visible to others could include:

• Directly observing heavy or frequent drinking/drug use
• Problem behaviour when intoxicated
• Blackouts or loss of memory
• Evidence of drinking or using drugs alone; secrecy and hiding ‘evidence’
• Choosing drinking or drug use over other activities, friends and family
• Drinking or using drugs at inappropriate times and places
• Becoming isolated and distant from friends and family
• Mood swings and changes in behaviour
• Neglecting themselves and their responsibilities

Some of these may be signs of other problems, such as depression, and the list is not an exhaustive one. If any of the above apply though, there may be an addiction or at least a substance misuse issue that needs to be addressed.

Do You Need to Intervene?

One valuable way to get people to face up to their drink and drug issues could be an intervention. This is generally staged with friends, family and others close to the person and it allows everyone involved to discuss the impact of the subject’s drinking or drug use. They may not be aware of the impact their behaviour is having on others.

Again, this should all be done in as calm a manner as possible, without angry recriminations. This can be difficult, as these things can get heated if not planned and carried out properly. Many people find that having a trained professional who is experienced in leading interventions can help to keep things on track and provide the best chances of a successful result. The aim is to help the subject of the intervention to accept that they need help, such as a treatment programme at a residential rehabilitation centre. Once they do, you can still help with all the practicalities involved.